When I had math teachers that were excited and passionate about their job it made all the difference on how much I absorbed. My 10th grade geometry teacher was one year from retirement and as dry and boring as could be. That was a rough class for me.
In my years as a kitchen designer, there was one particular project that I had to custom design an island with some unusual angles. That advanced math that I had learned way back when...that I had thought was pointless...came in handy and was even fun! I think when you learn math in relation to something else that interests you the concepts resonate.
Just a couple thoughts. Thanks for posting.
Thank you very much for your feedback, Sam. Yes, instead forcing to learn math, we need to connect it to practical applications. Your geometry example is a perfect one to create interest in geometry learning if we know that we can use it in designing.
Who knew using sine and cosine could be so fun?! :D
Yes Sam, nobody realizes it in grade 9.
LOL! I am not sure there is much realizing of anything at that age. :D
If grade 9 kids actually taken to a designer work place before starting to teach trig, I am very sure 90% of them will realize trig's actual application in daily life and study it with interest.
My son attended a charter school in his elementary years that operated on the constructivist learning theory. The teachers customized his instruction based on his interests. I have no idea how the teachers kept up with every child but it was an excellent experience for my son.
As a teacher I can tell that addressing individual student's needs is not hard.